I just signed up today and so am not sure if this is the best place to post this topic, but I really need some help.

I've been looking for over a week now for a good tunic/kurta/kurti type pattern, and though i have found some that could work, none of them by itself is really what I wanted. I am pretty new to patterns, so perhaps that is why I am being picky, since I don't know a lot yet on how to alter garments made from patterns (in other words, using the pattern as just a 'base').

What I really want is a tunic/kurta pattern that is somewhat fitted, at least around the bust, and that shows how to do at least 4 or so different necklines. And by different, I mean completely different, not just slight variations of each other. Most Tunic patterns I've seen have the slit, V, or squared-off necks, but none show all of these along with a few others.

Perhaps there is a book that would show a bunch of different neck types? I just really love all the fancy necklines that those Indian tunics (kurta/kurti) have and really want to learn how to make some.

Can you post a couple of pictures of what you're looking for? That might help!

One of the reasons you might be having trouble is that having all those different necklines would require multiple different pattern pieces, which is more expensive to print/package, etc. BUT, changing the shape of a neckline, particularly for a woven, really *isn't* that difficult, and once you've made a pattern once or twice, you'll probably feel comfortable enough with it to give it a try.

This one looks more advanced (as in, something to try when you feel confident drafting from scratch, as I'm not sure the instructions are all that great, but there are a lot of options!): Drafting your own Indian clothing patterns

You'll want to try all this first on inexpensive muslin, but I *promise* that what you want to do is *really* quite simple, on the spectrum of challenging sewing tasks! Just give yourself some time to practice, and start once you find a pattern you like with the neckline it came with.

Since you are new to patterns, please be aware that many go on sale for a dollar or two and Joann's and Hancock's.

That makes it easier when you want to buy a few because one doesn't give all the necklines you would like.

I'll never forget the time I was at NY fabrics (now Joanns) and a newbie came up asking me questions about patterns. She said she just started a class to learn to sew and picked out about 8 pattterns...at about $10-15 each.

I showed her my ad with a pattern sale the coming saturday. She was amazed and so excited...almost spent over $80 instead of just $8! Of course she was there on Sat, thanking me profusely! Couldn't blame her for that.

So I thought you might like to know before spending a fortune on multiple patterns. Good luck!

Thank you all so much for your help, suggestions and links! The 'how-to' for tailoring will be very helpful, and $1 or so patterns are always great!

While looking for a website to show different neck examples for you guys, I actually, by pure chance, came across a book that says it shows how to make 26 different neck shapes! I'm thrilled! :0D Now I just have to see if I can get it cheap somewhere (here's the link: Punjabi Dress Drafting and Cutting )

As for the pictures of different neck types, here are a few random online images I found: (and sorry, wasn't sure how to make them smaller)

and of course now I can't find the book anywhere! I looked at the publisher website (if it can even be called that since it has hardly any information: Liberty Institute) and it says nothing about where to buy the pattern books, but it did have a list of their books, including one just about necks!!!! ...so I will try to e-mail them about where to get their books, but i am feeling a bit discouraged.... it seems this is a website and classes that are for/in India(?) even though the site and everything is in english...

Great news! I was able to find an online bookstore in India that ships worldwide so I got that kurta book and the neck one, as well as a whole bunch of other books/booklets (mostly different styles of embroidery and/or beadwork for borders and necklines) all for about $40 (with shipping... the books themselves were only a few bucks each and most were under $1), so I am very happy :0D

Thanks everyone!

I'm not sure when I'll have some time to start sewing some things up, but I've very happy now that I have what I wanted (and more!)

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